EU MiCA deadline pushes crypto exchanges to licence, 80% risk exit

The European Union’s Markets in Crypto‑Assets (MiCA) framework requires all crypto‑asset service providers to obtain a national licence by 1 July 2026, after which unlicensed platforms must cease serving EU customers. Only about 210 of more than 1,200 previously registered firms have secured full authorisation, according to ESMA, and the regulator confirmed there will be no extensions.

OKX Europe’s CEO Erald Ghoos warned that roughly 80 % of exchanges will not survive the transition, stating, “Qu’une grande partie du marché échoue, c’est le mécanisme qui fonctionne.” To attract users, OKX launched a “Deposit Match” campaign offering up to an 8 % bonus on eligible deposits until 13 July 2026. Licensed operators such as OKX (Malta), Coinbase (Luxembourg) and Kraken (Ireland) are positioned to continue serving the EU market.